FOUNDER & ATTORNEY
Donald Van Dingenen
Donald Van Dingenen, known as “Don” to his friends and colleagues, is a proud graduate of the University of Central Florida, class of 1985, where he focused on Finance, Marketing, and Drama.
After graduating, Mr. Van Dingenen started a highly successful sub-contracting firm, which he later sold to pursue a legal career. Mr. Van Dingenen then graduated from Mercer University School of Law in 1993 and was admitted to the Florida Bar that same year.
Mr. Van Dingenen joined the firm of Simmerman & Morgan, P.A., a long-standing Orlando firm that represented injured workers throughout Central Florida. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Van Dingenen became the managing partner at Morgan & Van Dingenen, P.A., focusing on workers’ compensation law.
THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CASE THAT CHANGED IT ALL
In February 2002, Mr. Van Dingenen represented a young bank teller who was shot, paralyzed, and rendered a quadriplegic in Lake County, Florida. With Mr. Van Dingenen’s assistance, the client was awarded the most significant civil trial verdict in Lake County history, $26.7 million.
After this record-setting achievement, Van Dingenen, P.A. was founded along with the introduction of the 1(800)WORKERS toll-free phone lines for all of Central Florida’s injured workers. His focus on workers’ compensation law has led to the representation of thousands of injured workers throughout the State of Florida.
MAKING HISTORY IN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION IN FLORIDA
In 2004, Mr. Van Dingenen was hired by a young construction worker who was paralyzed on the job and rendered a quadriplegic in Brevard County, Florida.
In January 2009, after five years of litigation, Mr. Van Dingenen successfully obtained the most significant civil trial jury verdict in Brevard County history for his client, $76.6 million. That jury verdict stands as the fourth-largest civil trial jury verdict in the United States for 2009.
Areas of Specialization Within Workers’ Compensation Law
Work-related injuries, catastrophic and permanent injuries, paralysis and spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, repetitive trauma and occupational disease claims, wrongful denial or termination of workers’ compensation benefits, appeals, etc.
Most Common Challenges Faced by His Clients
"Most of my clients come to me after being overwhelmed by a system that feels stacked against them. They’re frustrated, injured, and often unsure who to trust. My job is to step in, cut through the noise, and make sure the system works the way it’s supposed to for them."
Don’s Different Approach to Workers’ Compensation Claims
"I take a disciplined, strategic approach to every case. I look beyond the immediate injury to focus on long-term consequences, such as future medical needs, permanent limitations, and earning capacity. I prepare every case thoroughly and with the expectation that it may end up before a judge."
Building and Maintaining Relationships with His Clients
"I’m straightforward with my clients from day one. I explain what matters, what doesn’t, and what to expect. Trust comes from consistency and follow-through, not promises. Many clients come to me through referrals, which tells me I’m doing my job the right way."
What Don Enjoys Most about His Work
"I value being able to bring order to situations that feel out of control for my clients. Helping someone secure medical care and financial protection after a serious injury is work that matters."
Clients’ Expectations and How Don Meets Them
"My clients can expect direct involvement, clear communication, and a serious approach to their case. I don’t overcomplicate things, and I don’t back down when benefits are wrongly denied. To paraphrase the firm’s motto, workers’ compensation is all I do."
Professional Credentials
Don Van Dingenen brings decades of determination and results-driven advocacy to injured workers across Florida.
Education
- University of Central Florida
- Juris Doctor at Mercer University School of Law
Bar Admissions
- Florida Bar (1993)
Professional Memberships
- The Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- The Florida Workers’ Advocates
Awards and Recognitions
- Best Workers’ Compensation Attorney
- Martindale-Hubbell Preeminent Award - Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence
- Lawyer Legion’s Recognition for Professional Involvement
For more than three decades, Don Van Dingenen has focused on one thing: protecting injured workers when the consequences are life-changing, and the stakes are high. His career reflects a consistent philosophy: do the work thoroughly, stand your ground, and never lose sight of the person behind the claim.
Who is Don Van Dingenen Outside the Office
"Outside of work, I make a point to stay active and present with the people who matter most to me, including my two children. I spend time working out, boating, and fishing whenever I can, and I enjoy staying competitive on the court playing pickleball and tennis. You can also find me at Orlando Magic games or cheering on UCF football. Enjoying life outside of work helps me stay energized and focused for my clients."
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Hear From Our Satisfied Clients
I had a great experience with this law firm! Attorney Blaze Schwartz was extremely helpful and also really good at communicating. The rest of the staff is also super friendly and helped get me through my case and in the end attorney Van Dingenen was able to get the insurance company to pay more money than they wanted to. I'm really happy that I chose this firm.
David R.
I would like to give a big thank you to Mr. Van Dingenen, Blaze, and all of his staff. Everyone was very welcoming and treated me as a person and not just another number. " would like to give a big thank you to Mr. Van Dingenen, Blaze, and all of his staff. Everyone was very welcoming and treated me as a person and not just another number. If anyone needs a lawyer to represent them, this who you should call. Bigger firms just don't do it. Thank you.
Teresa H.
From start to finish I was very pleased with my treatment at this firm. I was never left wondering about what was going on. They responded to every question in a timely manner. Nadia was awesome! Mr. Van Dingenen made me feel very comfortable and he has a great sense of humor. I would recommend them and I would use them again if needed. Happy customer.
Jayne W.
I recommend this firm to anyone who wants a fair win. The Attorneys and team are always friendly, prompt, and efficient. / appreciated their time and efforts in explaining every step of the case to me and their advice along with the pros and cons of any decision I make. Thank you for fighting for me and getting me a settlement where my family and I can begin to start over again after my injuries...
Rhonda S.
When you have an unfortunate incident such as a worker's comp issue, I highly recommend Van Dingenen to assist you in a resolution. They were professional, thorough, and kept me informed throughout the process. My claim was settled promptly and to my complete satisfaction.
Lynne K.
I went YEARS trying to get Workers Comp benefits that actually helped me, with the company I worked for. Van Dingenen Law took me through a short, easy and painless process that finally got me the help that I needed! Both Don and Blaze were professional, courteous and kind and their office staff outstanding. / HIGHLY recommend them for any Workers Comp you have. In my eyes they are miracle workers. Thank You SOOOO much!!!
Tiphany M.
